2. Component Selection

Selecting the right components is critical to the overall success of the product. Engineers and procurement teams need to ensure that each selected component meets the design specifications, performs reliably, and is available for procurement at a reasonable cost.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Compatibility with Design: Components must be able to interface correctly with each other within the design. For instance, a microcontroller should be compatible with the sensors, actuators, and communication interfaces specified in the design.

• Performance Specifications: Ensure that the components meet electrical specifications such as voltage, power ratings, tolerance, etc. This is especially critical for active components like integrated circuits (ICs) and transistors.

• Quality and Certifications: In regulated industries (e.g., aerospace, medical), selecting components that meet standards such as RoHS, CE, or UL certifications is often mandatory.

• Availability and Lead Times: A component might meet the design specifications but have long lead times or be hard to source, which could affect production schedules.